Overviews

Merchandise

Overview-Introduction

This section of the RabWay website provides an insight into the rabbit industry and the products and services provided by RabWay and Texlan Rabbits. In the most recent industry analysis in 2000 it was estimated that the US rabbit population was about 9 million.

MeatProcessors and producers in the commercial meat rabbit industry group are trying to improve the supply, consistency and market outlets for rabbits. Per capita U.S. rabbit meat consumption was .02 pounds in 2000. The two most important markets for commercially produced rabbit are retail grocery stores in metropolitan markets and high-end restaurants.

LaboratoryThe medical research market demands specific characteristics and high health standards for rabbits, which increase the production costs for these animals.

PetPet rabbit breeders usually supply young, small rabbits to satisfy customer demand and may see a seasonal increase in demand for rabbits at Easter.

Hobby...

Hobby breeders, represented by the ARBA, may raise and show 930,000 rabbits a year.

Show/FancyRabbit shows have gained considerable popularity and the raising of the "fancy" show rabbit can be a profitable business in itself.

Home MeatShow breeders and other hobby breeders can be active in multiple markets, selling culled animals as pets, consuming their own meat rabbits and harvesting wool from long-haired breeds.

PetThe size of the pet rabbit population in 2000 was estimated at 5.28 million by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA). The pet rabbit community has an active on-line presence. There are numerous pages of owners with pictures of their house-rabbits as well as owners with outdoor rabbits. Pet rabbits and their owners are represented by a number of groups throughout the U.S., including the House Rabbit Society (HRS).

Angora WoolRabbits are also raised to produce wool. Any of the wool breeds are capable of producing wool, but length, texture and color of the fiber will vary across each breed. Average wool production can be 2.4 pounds per year for intensive production facilities.

4H-FFAThe 4H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) youth programs may have one million animals involved in those projects. Through 4H and FFA, a rabbit project is quite suitable for youngsters of all ages and areas. 95,000 youth participated in the various rabbit and cavy (guinea pig) projects offered across the country in 2000.

Texlan Rabbits is owned and operated by Ross James and Becky Allen. Texlan Rabbits is located in Port Lavaca along the Texas Gulf Coast, approximately 150 miles southwest of Houston. We provide consultancy services and breeding stock to other breeders.

RabWay is the name of our website and the brand name of our Cages, Carriers and Hutches built on sight by Ross James. Our RabWay store carries a variety of rabbit related supplies to meet the needs of the 4H-FFA exhibitor.

The rabbit industry is composed of many groups each with differing production goals. Rabbit production can be commercial, for profit, with the rabbits being used for meat, as pets and for laboratory purposes. Rabbit production can also be a hobby and the rabbits are raised for the show circuit, home consumption, pet sales or as 4H animals.